Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was understandably pleased at the end of El Clasico as the Whites all but wrapped up the Liga title with a 3-2 win over Barcelona. It came courtesy of another Jude Bellingham winner, and was followed by euphoric celebrations at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he had to answer questions about two of his players who looked unhappy at the end of the match.
Vinicius was happy at the time that Bellingham's goal went, no less taking advantage jokes of Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. The Brazilian was seen shouting at Ancelotti as he came off in the final 10 minutes, but the Italian manager explained that he was understandably unhappy to come off at a crucial point in the match.
“He didn't like the change, he wanted to continue. The forward's effort was tremendous, taking into account what happened at the Etihad.”
“We ask them to defend, to work for the team, they are very fast, they always attack the space… They get out a lot… pic.twitter.com/jOfY4KE98W
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) April 22, 2024
Meanwhile, it was noted, not for the first time, that the teenage starlet Arda Guler was not part of the celebrations from the bank. But Ancelotti made him a promise that should cheer him up a bit.
“I don't know, I haven't seen, I can't comment. Now we will calmly assess everything. Guler will now have the minutes he wants now,” said Ancelotti AS Diary.
Guler has been restricted to just 98 minutes since returning to fitness in January, causing immense frustration for the 19-year-old. With six league games remaining, Ancelotti should be able to give them plenty of game time as he rotates his side for the Champions League – the Whites need just 7 points from those games to secure the title.
However, Guler's presence next season is in doubtwith some at the club advising him to go on loan next season to continue his development.